Supplement Use Strong in U.S.

Washington, D.C.—Most Americans (68%) take dietary supplements and 85% are confident in their safety, quality and efficacy, according to the 2012 Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements.

Supplement users in this study were primarily dedicated users, with 76% saying they regularly use and buy them. In contrast, 18% said they only occasionally use supplements and only 6% are seasonal users.

More than half (52%) of the survey takers used a multivitamin in the past year. Of note, there were more individuals in this group in the 35–54 age bracket than in the 2011 survey (54% in 2012 versus 49% in 2011). As for other supplements omega-3/fish oil (21%), vitamin D (20%), vitamin C (19%) and calcium (17%) were also among the most popular. Overall 33% of survey takers reported taking specialty supplements, 16% took sports nutrition supplements and 18% took herbal botanicals.

Ipsos Public Affairs conducted the study online August 27–31, 2012 and was funded by CRN.